This past week I returned from a week of ministry in Cape Town, South Africa. Cape Town is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Situated at the southernmost tip of the African Continent, the city boasts stunning views from its mountaintops of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

This was my third trip to Cape Town since 2008, where we have long partnered with the ministry of Cape Missions International headed by our friends, John and Barbara Doyle. I not only spoke in various churches across the city, but also, along with Keith Doyle, conducted a seminar and workshop for pastors on, “Preaching With Clarity and Relevance.”

Meet Raymond Katts. Raymond actually works as an officer in the Cape Town Fire Department, but he also serves as the Pastor of “House of Praise” in Ocean Side Township. Situated in a poorer area of the city, the church is only three years old and is having a deep impact on the residents of Ocean Side through its various ministries—especially those trapped in drugs, alcohol and gang violence.

It’s Wednesday afternoon in Cape Town. It’s much cooler today after yesterday’s record-setting high temperature of 104 degrees. The fires that have been burning across the peninsula since Saturday continued throughout the night. When we arrived home last night, Paul and I went out our front door and took these pictures. They were taken less than a quarter mile from the residence where we are staying. Officials promptly evacuated those houses nearest the fires.

We had a great start to the Pastors Seminar last night. I will continue tonight and tomorrow night, as well as all day Saturday. This morning I spoke at a Men’s Breakfast about an hour across town. Enroute we passed a region of the Cape where the burning fires were threatening to engulf massive oceanfront residences. During our pre-dawn drive, we passed countless people standing along the oceanfront looking up toward the steep mountain slopes behind their homes with helpless looks on their faces. Huge flames could be seen hovering over these homes threatening to consume them. I’ve never seen a sight quite as ominous. We prayed for rain.

It is a blessing to enter into these initial months of 2015 with a palpable sense of excitement and enthusiasm for what the year ahead will bring for BrookLink. But lest I allow my enthusiasm to get ahead of me, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the role you played in the success and support of BrookLink in 2014.

Because of your faithful generosity, BrookLink finished 2014 in the black, achieving 94% of our annual budget. Your kind gifts in the closing months position us well for the year ahead. When we look at the stories of the amazing transformation that God effected in the lives of the church leaders we equipped last year, we can only conclude it has been an exceptional year, because of you!

2015 is off and running! On February 25, 2015 I will depart for Cape Town, South Africa for 10 days. Once again, in partnership with my friends John and Barbara Doyle of Cape Missions International (CMI), BrookLink will provide training for church leaders across this beautiful city.